Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

I found some wonderful backdrops from http://eveyd.deviantart.com/ and thought of using them for doll backdrops. I had them printed in tarpaulin material (but next time I'll have them do it on canvas instead so the texture is easier to manage. The artist, Eve of the eveyd.deviantart.com says the original backdrop came from an opera house in Paris (the Curtain Palais Garnier in Paris). At any rate, here are some portraits I hope you will like. The doll is a Tonner Drapery doll that has been re-repainted. The dress is Tonner's My Tara.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Saturdays are happiest when there is no work. Repainting can be your source of joy because you own the time. It's yours, with no commands coming from the outside world. All that is pushed for, that is required and that is needed comes from one place (one's head...and maybe one's heart as well).

When one comes across a new learning in repainting, one always feels the need to practice it immediately. The new tip is to brush the paint with a dab or a dot or a line but this time with more precision as guided by a portrait/picture. Of course it's been done that way, but imagine trying to become the size of the doll and putting those lines. It is a strong determination to be always "in scale". You should see the Hot Toys action figures. That's a lot of attention to detail -- sculpt and painting.

There was a time when I felt that Tonner had the Vivien Leigh sculpt all wrong. But maybe I didn't look close enough to see that it was there all the time. That the sculpt could be correct, and all it needs is some correct outline. Perhaps. But that is how I see it.

It took a while to get to this place. Years. Money (oh God, the money for each doll that had to undergo the torture of learning).

You can't really learn all that there is about repainting out there. You need a discerning eye and a good ear to pick up the tips. And you need to practice it like cooking, like throwing balls on a basket. There are a lot of misses. There are still.

Honestly, I can't say it's all that good, But I am glad at least I tried. I think the main point in life is always to try -- that's what you get from listening to Oprah haha -- seriously.

Here's an old Scarlett that underwent some eyes, eyebrow and lip makeover.

The face.I couldn't stop myself from adding some more touches to this photo. Original photo from tonnerdoll.com

Strangely, my excitement for a Scarlett 'O Hara dress has again been ignited by Tonner's 2013 "Scarlett. It is "strange" because there is nothing really spectacular about this Plunkett creation. And yet, I couldn't help but say "wow" after seeing the PR photos. Allow me to elaborate more (and these are my personal opinions on it):

1. The style of the dress is close to real. It certainly isn't a Hollywood costume for a period drama and I like realism more than flamboyant and unrealistic Hollywood costumes.
2. Is has a subtle elegance. We know Scarlett would not to go for anything subtle though. I the scene she still stands out. A strong red agasint teh dull and drab of Tara after the war.
3. It is one of those GWTW dresses that (INMHO), complements the actress very well. Her hair is polished and coils at the back of her head -- a most Victorian virtue. It frames her white skin very well too.
4. It is an outfit that is open to other possibilities. Because it is briefly shown and lacks the signature look that will strongly associate it with GWTW, it is often not well remembered. But that doesn't take away how beautful it is. Add a red hat and a black parasol and you have a nice Victorian walking dress. And if that dress comes in two pieces, imagine having an OOAK bustle skirt done to match it.

Photos of new releases for Scarlett always get a mixed reaction. Luckily, there were some GWTW enthusiasts and doll collectors who enjoy the Victorian period dresses to have some feedback that I think makes this doll worth looking into.

So far they've said to have the best facial screening of a Tonne Scarlett. And looking at the many faces of Tonner Scarletts one cannot help but agree. It is by far the best!

THE MANY FACES OF TONNER'S SCARLETT

source: http://www.forum.dollplanet.ru/

The softness of Mrs. Hamilton in mourning was a good start. The "Fire in Atlanta" arched brow gave Scarlett that defiant character.

So far these two have been deemed the best when it comes to facial screening.

What went right? No heavy undereye liner

(THIS, is what made a big difference), plus a

fuller upper lip and a arched brow that is less pronounced than usual.

When you look at where Scarlett has been with Tonner to where it is now, you can see a dramatic difference in screen painting and hairstyle color. While others prefer jet-black, I like it on a dark shade of brown. The lighter hair always lifts the face, darker hair creates a stark contrast.

tonnerdoll.com

source: http://s15.zetaboards.com/vivienvn/topic/503604/1/

The Tonner Scarlett is said to have nice hair ornament behind. This is unfortunately not shown in the picture. Do I still wish for anything else for Tonner Scarlett? Hmmmmm...since its on its way to getting much better, how about smaller "iris" for the doll's eyes.

I had a little fun doing it in photoshop (just for the "power of play" of it). Notice how different she looks with a smaller "iris" -- well that's my preference.